Nagpur: Odisha batters promised much but ultimately collapsed in a heap to suffer their third defeat in four matches in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season.
Chasing a stiff 345-run target to topple defending Ranji and Irani Cup champions Vidarbha in their den, Odisha openers Swastik Samal (65) and Gourav Choudhury (47) stitched a 100-run partnership after starting the final day on 44 for no wicket. However, morning didn’t show the day, and Odisha crumbled to 244 all out, thereby handing Vidarbha a 100-run victory.
Left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade was the wrecker in chief, dismissing three of the top four in Odisha’s lineup – Swastik, Gourav and skipper Subhranshu Senapati (28). Rekhade went on to complete his maiden five-wicket haul (5/80) in first-class cricket, and was well supported by medium-pacer Praful Hinge (3/41).
Halfway through the last day, Odisha had hopes of at least salvaging a draw and one point as they reached 164/2. But three quick wickets pushed them down a familiar downslide path. Vidarbha had it all too easy, claiming eight wickets for just 80 runs.
Having lost to Baroda, Andhra and now Vidarbha, Odisha have a solitary point thanks to a hard-earned draw versus UP.
BRIEF SCORES
Vidarbha first innings: 286
Odisha first innings: 160
Vidarbha second innings: 218/2 declared
Odisha second innings: 244 (Swastik Samal 65, Gourav Choudhury 47, Govinda Poddar 46; Parth Rekhade 5/80, Praful Hinge 3/41).
Result: Vidarbha beat Odisha by 100 runs
Player of the Match: Dhruv Shorey.
Points: Vidarbha 6, Odisha 0.
Group A position: Vidarbha 1st (19 points from 4 games); Odisha 7th (1 point from 4).
Next match: Odisha vs Nagaland at Bhubaneswar from Nov 16.
